The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings
The SPAB was founded in 1877. Today it is the largest, and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.We run training courses; comment on threats to historic buildings; operate a free technical helpline; conduct research; issue advisory publications and campaign on issues like the need for building maintenance.
Activities & Mission
The SPAB was founded in 1877. Today it is the largest, and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.We run training courses; comment on threats to historic buildings; operate a free technical helpline; conduct research; issue advisory publications and campaign on issues like the need for building maintenance.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Country
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 17% of UK Charitable activities charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 1335). How is this calculated?
Higher than 24% of UK Charitable activities charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 21% of UK Charitable activities charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £2,606,185 | £1,933,129 | £1,690,457 | £7,062,610 | £4,623,215 | 22 / 400 |
| 2023 | £2,344,731 | £1,790,104 | £1,584,956 | £6,131,777 | £3,784,316 | 22 / 400 |
| 2022 | £2,023,768 | £1,703,225 | £1,483,109 | £5,358,211 | £2,670,000 | 30 / 400 |
| 2021 | £1,602,967 | £1,874,006 | £1,579,645 | £5,470,930 | £2,510,000 | 30 / 400 |
| 2020 | £1,341,488 | £1,491,334 | £1,190,148 | £5,409,323 | £1,720,000 | 31 / 400 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings
What does The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings do?
The SPAB was founded in 1877. Today it is the largest, and most technically expert national pressure group fighting to save old buildings from decay, demolition and damage.We run training courses; comment on threats to historic buildings; operate a free technical helpline; conduct research; issue advisory publications and campaign on issues like the need for building maintenance.
How much income did The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings report in 2024?
The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings reported total income of £2.61m and reported expenditure of £1.93m for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings?
The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings has a program ratio of 64.9%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 17% of UK Charitable activities charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 1335 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings registered as a charity?
The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 12 April 2006 as charity number 1113753. It has been registered for 20 years.
Who runs The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings?
The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings is governed by a board of 12 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings operate?
The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings operates across 3 areas: Northern Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.
Is The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings a registered charity?
Yes — The Society For The Protection Of Ancient Buildings is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1113753.
Details
ANCIENT BUILDINGS
37 SPITAL SQUARE
LONDON
E1 6DY
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 2 other charities
Sectors & Classifications
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated